BLACKBURN Rovers midfielder Darragh Lenihan has hailed the return of Danny Graham to the club as a ‘big boost’ to the squad.

Graham made it two goals in two pre-season games since signing a full-time deal with Rovers by scoring the winner in the 1-0 victory over Bury in Saturday’s three-team tournament at Morecambe.

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The former Swansea City and Sunderland frontman was a man in demand after he hit seven goals in 18 appearances during his initial loan spell at Ewood Park in the second half of last season.

But he was convinced to sign a permanent two-year contract with Rovers by new manager Owen Coyle despite interest from elsewhere.

And Lenihan, who played in the 0-0 draw with Morecambe which followed the win over Bury, said: “It was a big boost for every player in the squad when Danny Graham signed because, like the fans, we all wanted him to come back because he did so well for us last season.

“It’s just a joy to have him around. He’s a top player, he’s experienced, and he’s played in the Premier League for a number of years.

“He’s the type of player you look to learn from and improve your game.”

Graham has been joined at Rovers by four other summer signings including Lenihan’s Republic of Ireland compatriots Jack Byrne and Anthony Stokes.

Lenihan has played alongside Byrne for his country’s under-21 team with both aiming to follow in Stokes’ footsteps and break into the full international set-up.

Lenihan has no doubt that the duo, who also featured in the Rovers side which lined-up against Morecambe, can make an impact this season.

He said: “I knew Jack from the Irish under-21 team and he’s talked about as being the next big thing coming through in Ireland.

“Stokesy has scored a lot of goals for Celtic, he’s a great goalscorer, and hopefully those two lads can help us do the best we possibly can this season.”

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Rovers, who kicked-off their pre-season preparations with a 1-0 victory over SV Ried in Austria, travel to Rochdale tomorrow.

And Lenihan said: “You feel better with every game.

“I ended up playing nearly 90 minutes in Austria, which was very tough, as it was nearly 28 degrees.

“But I felt better in the game against Morecambe and we have another game on Tuesday in which I can keep improving my fitness.

“That’s not just me, that’s the whole team. That’s our main objective, to get that match sharpness and match fitness ready for the new season.”

Republic of Ireland centre-back Shane Duffy and Northern Ireland midfielder Corry Evans will return to training today having been given extra time off after playing at Euro 2016.

They will play no part in tomorrow night’s friendly with Rochdale.

But Rovers boss Coyle is hopeful of giving the duo a run out in the trip to Blackpool on Saturday and a reunion with Gary Bowyer, who was at Morecambe at the weekend to watch his old club in action.

Coyle said: “It will be great to have Shane and Corry back.

“They will probably need four or five training days under their belt and hopefully they can feature in some of the game at Blackpool.”

Rovers Under-21s drew 2-2 at Bamber Bridge on Saturday.